Meet Genard Avery, the versatile LB prospect loaded with potential

The 2018 NFL draft is stocked at linebacker, with many of this year’s top prospects hailing from some of the most storied programs in college football history.

While those bigger names may be stealing the headlines for now, the Memphis Tigers have churned out one of this year’s most underrated prospects at the position in the versatile, athletic and physical Genard Avery.

Avery recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his impressive combine performance, washing cars and cutting grass while growing up in Mississippi, and why he’s willing to do whatever it takes to contribute in a big way at the next level.

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JM: What a combine you had. You ran the 40-yard dash in under 4.6 seconds. You also posted a broad jump of 10’4.” Did you expect to perform so well?

GA: I’ve worked so hard to be in this position. I knew I was capable of testing the way that I did. That was easy for me. I just did what I had to do.

JM: You’ve played off the ball and on the edge. What do you feel is your position at the next level?

GA: It really doesn’t matter. I can play wherever my coaches want me to play. I love rushing off the edge and making an impact from that position. I can play middle linebacker and blitz from there and make certain checks. I’m willing to play wherever my coaches want me to.

JM: Along those lines, have you found a shared vision from the teams you’ve met with?

GA: Yeah, pretty much all the teams I’ve met with have agreed. The teams that run a 4-3 defense want me to play at the SAM or the WILL. I’ve met with some teams that run a 3-4 defense, as well. They want me at the WILL spot exclusively. It really depends on the scheme.

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JM: Were you asked any strange questions at the combine?

GA: Being from Mississippi, a guy asked me if I had cows in my backyard. Something like that (laughs). They just assumed I’m a country guy from Mississippi. There’s all types of crazy questions they ask you down there. I can’t say I was asked anything overly crazy though. They just wanted to know about the culture I grew up around.

JM: Do you have any private visits or workouts scheduled?

GA: I’ve completed several, and I have a few more coming up. I’m still on the road now. It’s been a crazy few weeks for me.

JM: There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with playing linebacker. What are some of the most important non-physical traits you need to play the position?

GA: You have to have the trust of your coaches, first and foremost. The linebacker is really like the quarterback of the defense. You have to be a great communicator. The players around you are really counting on you. You have to be a leader. Nothing is more important than that. You don’t hear about a quiet linebacker. Well, not if he’s a good one, at least (laughs).

JM: Earlier you mentioned how 4-3 and 3-4 defenses envision you playing in their scheme. Do you have a preference?

GA: It really doesn’t matter. I played in both at Memphis. We played a 4-3 defense and we played the 3-4 defense. It depended on the offense we were playing that week. I can play it all. One thing about the teams I’ve met with is that the coaches have watched my film and they really like me. They know that I know how to play all the positions. They’ve told me that they can put me at the middle linebacker position but also send me on a blitz. I have the traits to play in coverage, as well. I can blitz off the ball. Don’t get me wrong, there’s some stuff I have to work on. That’s part of being a football player. Some teams like me playing the SAM where I can sell like I’m in coverage but I’m really rushing off the edge.

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JM: I’m a big fan of the Memphis program and how they’ve prepared you for the next level. What does it mean to be a Tiger?

GA: It meant a whole lot to me. Nothing is ever handed to us. We work for everything we have. My Memphis brothers are still working to this day. The program is getting better and better each year. There’s a lot of guys that paved the way for us. They made this happen for us. We just work hard and do what we have to do. It’s a real grind when you’re coming from Memphis. Nothing was given to us. People know that us Memphis guys work hard. You never heard about a lazy player coming from this program.

JM: How do you enjoy spending your time outside of football?

GA: I really just enjoy hanging out with my family. I grew up washing cars and cutting grass. I loved doing that in Mississippi. My family worked construction. I grew up doing that and helping them out. Growing up in Mississippi, we’re very family-oriented. I was expected to help my mom out and what not. Washing cars and cutting grass was my hustle. I did that around the neighborhood. And I played football. Everybody knew that’s what I was trying to do. That’s how I grew up. Those were my hobbies.

JM: When a team drafts Genard Avery. what kind of guy are they getting?

GA: They’re getting a guy who loves the game. I have a lot of passion for it. I’m a guy that works hard. I’ve always been the type of person who shows a lot of respect to everybody around me. They’re getting an outstanding football player that’s willing to do whatever it takes to win. I’ll play on special teams if that’s what they ask of me. I can play any position they want me to. I’ll play guard or center if they really want me to (laughs). Whatever they want, I’ll do it. I just love this game, period.